A veteran of the metal scene who’s played with local acts such as Nunslaughter, Schnauzer and Gravewurm, Jim Konya recently suffered two strokes not one. He was actually in rehab from the first one for a day or two and showing signs of recovery until the second and more deadly one hit. Last month, a campaign took place to help raise funds to help him pay for his medical expenses. A group of friends and supporters posed for a photo in front of Rock and Roll City Studios (5500 Walworth Ave.). Jon Lichtenberg, a terrific locally based photographer who contributes to Scene, took the shot [included here] and then blew the photo up to poster size and presented it to Konya.
Last Friday, several local acts played a benefit concert at Now That’s Class. Konya, however, isn’t doing well. Today, he’s scheduled to be taken off life support. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family members. You can read the kind comments that members of the local metal community have posted on this Facebook page and see the degree to which local bands and fans loved him.
Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.
